FRESH INK

A Hidden Gem

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Friday, June 17, 2011

under Education & Career by Olivia Quintela

Yan Ming Fashion Design Studio is located in a quiet residential area, way away from the bustling shopping streets of NanJing Road and the French Concession; but don't be taken in by appearances: on the ground floor of one of the buildings is hidden a showroom exclusively composed of high-quality clothes.

The eponymous owner, Yan Ming studied fashion and worked in Paris for several years for renowned names such as John Galliano and the haute couture design house Adeline André. Once back in China, he decided to launch his own label, putting his expertise and skill at the disposal of Shanghai.

Opened last year, the showroom provides high-end designs for demanding customers. The garments have a strong French influence and the Parisian imprint is clearly perceptible. Yan Ming celebrates the feminine figure using waist cuts; his expertise lies in lady's suits and dresses ideally suited to the consummate career women, both during her working hours and her more relaxed evening events. Strength and elegance are two key attributes of his tailoring; broken lines and superposition of plain fabrics are his trademarks. Most of the pieces are self-colored and gray, somewhere between steel and charcoal - though his next collection will broaden into other hues.

At the moment, this nascent studio produces one collection a year, but is planning to expand to two over the coming annum. Prices start at RMB3000, with the average suit costing RMB5000. Clothing consultations are available, but only by appointment.

Yan Ming is fussy and wants the finest quality for his creations. Materials such as cotton or wool come from the choicest producers in China, while lacework and leather are French, imported from the same manufacturers used by Chanel and Dior. Each piece is made to measure, in order to perfectly fit the figure of each individual woman.

Sober and smart with an original touch, fancy and sometimes a bit rock ‘n' roll, the clothes are all emotionally loaded.